At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

2 nights hotels and 6 nights wild camping

4 days walking and 3 half-day walks

Luggage is transported by jeep

Low altitude throughout

Stunning canyons and abandoned villages - the gem of the Gulf

Oman, the most beautiful of the Gulf States, boasts a rugged landscape with a mountain range whose rock formations are both spectacular and of immense geological interest. In the wild Hajar mountains we'll walk through huge wadis and soaring valleys, passing occasional abandoned villages. By contrast we finish with a stunning cliff-top coastal walk, with incredible views back to the Eastern Hajar mountains. There is also time to explore Muscat old town, and Nizwa Fort, the former capital

After breakfast we will have our group briefing before we check out at 9:30am. Our first stop is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, this is an Islamic cultural centre where we have the opportunity to understand more about Islam specifically in Oman. Photography is permitted. Ladies are required to cover their hair, so a scarf (not opaque) is required. Arms and ankles should also be covered. The mosque is typically Omani in style, understated but elegant. Building commenced in 1995 and inside a huge 154 metre chandeleir hangs over the world's second largest hand woven carpet. There is time to explore the mosque before exploring Old Muttrah souk, where all kinds of souvenirs including oils and jewellery can be purchased. We then follow the corniche passing the port with the Sultan's ship moored in full view. Today's walk then picks up an old path connecting the city's surrounding villages. The path is an uneven track and ascends 200m. Please remember to bring water as we'll be walking for more than an hour. We arrive back near the souq. Our lunch will be a picnic overlooking the ocean. In the afternoon we will drive out of Muscat (approx 1.5hours) and set up camp at the foot of the mountains. At dinner we will have our briefing for the following day. Approximately 1.5 hours walking.See more images and videos

After a morning briefing and packing our tents away we will walk out from camp for about one hour. The walk is especially interesting due to many geological features being exposed. This is a moderate flat walk through the foot hills of the world famous Semail ophiolite, which is part of the earth's oceanic crust. We have a brief stop at Nakhal Fort whose original purpose was to protect the area's date palms. We will have time to explore the fort before our off road drive through Wadi Bani Auf. This gorge contains several villages and date palms line the road. We'll stop to walk through the small steep-sided canyon before entering the beautiful lush mountain village of Bilad Sait. There are some steps to climb on the mountainside and if it has been raining we may need to wade in shallow water. We will explore the village and its surrounding fields before winding our way back through the gorge. We now have a steep drive up the mountain to 1900m. From here we will have a stunning view of both sides of the mountain. After a picnic lunch the driving continues to Jebal Shams where we set up camp for the night at 2000m. On the way we will pass through Al Hamrah,a fertile area also known for good bird spotting. Tonight temperatures can drop to 5 degrees, but we should be rewarded with wonderfully clear night skies. Approx. walking 3 hours.

We enjoy the breathtaking views of Oman's Grand Canyon with Nakhr village more than a kilometre below us. You will even be able to spot today's balcony walk along the edge of the canyon. Setting off from Al Kateen village we follow the balcony trail along the mountain edge to an abandoned village, which clings to the rocks and is completely hidden from view. Just beyond the village there is traditional farm terracing and a small lake that irrigates the area. The walk back along the balcony trail offers more breathtaking views of the canyon. This will take us about 4 hours in total. We then drive to Wadi Ghul and Nakhr village where we can view the canyon in reverse. This is an equally dramatic and stunning view, as we witness half a billion years of geological effects on the landscape - a perfect picnic spot! In the afternoon we will drive to Wadi Tanuf to explore the old falaj (irrigation) systems that used to feed the fields of the area. The next stop is the top of Jebal Akhdar. Tonight will be cold as our wild campsite is situated at 2000m. We will stop to collect wood during the day so we can make a fire tonight.Approx. 4 hours walking (additional optional 1 hour afternoon walk).

After breakfast we begin our 3 hour trek across the heart of the Western Hajar mountains. The walk starts from Jarira, which is situated at the top of a mountain, and leads us to the abandoned village of Bani Habib. The walk has a tricky descent so we will pick our route carefully to the bottom of the wadi. Gazelles are seen in this area and if we are lucky we might even spot wolves. Though mostly flat there are some descents and the mountain views are excellent. We will finally drop into the wadi via some old steps and make our way to the village under the cover of trees and shrubs. We will have time to explore the buildings of the old village, providing a great insight into how people once lived. After lunch we will walk amongst the mountain side terracing and farms. The roses in these fields are still used to make rose water. Watch out as the path is flat but can be slippery. Lunch will be at a local restaurant and is a great spot to watch the local people go about their daily life. We have a short drive back to camp to collect wood before darkness falls. Approx. 4 hours walking morning, 1.5 hours afternoon.See more images and videos

This morning we leave our campsite following an old water course which resembles a goat path. This once connected the villages before the roads were put in. There are some steps from about 2300m which lead us down into the wadi with great panoramic views. The walk's terrain varies and we have time to explore an abandoned village where we will take a rest stop before walking through a cleft in the mountain to view our final destination in the distance. Finally a small slog up to our waiting transport which will take us to the picnic lunch spot with great views of the base of the mountain. The walk will take about 5 hours before and an hour's drive to the old town of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. This evening we will make a stop for some deserved refreshments and have our briefing in the bar before going on for dinner at a local Arabic restaurant and overnight at a hotel. Time for a shower! Approx 5 to 6 hours walkingSee more images and videos

7Day 7Explore Nizwa and the fort; to camp.

After a lie in and breakfast we set off to explore Nizwa. Originally the old capital of Oman, Nizwa is most famous for its fort but the small museum is very interesting and should not be missed. The town retains many examples of Omani architecture with carved wooden doorways and window frames, although the fort has recently undergone restoration and now has a contemporary feel. You will be free to explore the fort and the meandering back streets of the souk. Bartering for goods is expected but remember this is a fun game. Lunch will be in a local restaurant before setting off to our beach camp. We need a little time this afternoon to prepare for the next day's walk. Take a dip in the sea and enjoy sunset as dinner is prepared for you.

Setting off around 8am we follow the coast line along the cliffs whose old paths are well defined to begin with. This walking on this day has a totally different feel as the fantastic ocean views combine with the mountains behind us. The route is demanding in parts with steep descents into small wadis but its mostly at sea level. We will stop for a picnic lunch en route. The terrain is rocky as we follow a track that includes a couple of steep short ascents but the ocean and mountain views are a great contrast to our previous walks. Our destination is a secluded beach where we will make camp for the night. Our luggage will be delivered by boat, James Bond style. Tonight we will have a fish barbeque on the beach.
Approx. 7 to 8 hours walking.See more images and videos

9Day 9Morning walk to Muscat port; end Muscat.

Walking from camp we finish in the fishing town of Quriyat. This will be a 2 to 3 hour walk. If the tide is low we will walk along the beach. If not we follow the cliff tops along a goat path. Please note if the tide is high it will mean getting our feet wet. In Quriyat our bus will be waiting to take us to a restaurant for lunch. We will head back to Muscat later that afternoon. Those on Land Only arrangements will leave us in Muscat. For those booked on the group flights there will be a few day rooms and showers for the group's use. After showering and packing we will go to Seeb on the coast. This is where Omanis shop for every day things. After a light supper we'll pick up our bags and head to the airport to check in for the overnight flight to London. Approx. 4 hours walking.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request - includes single and tent)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Wild Camping

2 nights hotels and 6 nights wild camping.
You will spend 2 nights in standard hotels with en suite facilities. 6 nights will be spent wild camping. There are no washing facilities or toilets and you will need to erect and dismantle tents. A bowl of water for personal washing will be provided every day. Mattresses will be provided. You will need to bring a sleeping bag suitable for freezing temperatures.

Single supplement available from GBP140 (includes single tent)

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Visas are required by all non-Arab nationalities. Most nationalities can obtain a ten day visa on arrival at Seeb International Airport (Muscat) for for 5 Rials (OMR) (approx. . GBP8). A longer stay visa costs 20 Rials (approx. . GBP40). As this information may change we advise you to check with the Embassy before travel. The costs are the same should you decide to obtain your visa before departure.
To obtain your visa before you arrive the address of the Oman Embassy in London is 167 Queen's Gate, London SW7 5HE. If you apply for your visa through Travcour, the visa service we recommend, the service charge is GBP25 plus postage and packing on top of the visa fee of GBP43.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for Oman. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid,
Hepatitis A. Holiday style

Grade 4
This trip has been graded as moderate/challenging and is suitable for clients with a good level of fitness. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not vital as long as you are confident of your physical condition. Whilst trekking the facilities are very basic so please take this into consideration in assessing whether this trip is right for you. On trek there are no showers or toilets. Every day you will be given a bowl of water for personal washing. We will mainly be walking on well trodden paths but most sections involve walking over rocky, uneven terrain. At times this can be relatively steep. You should make sure you have decent lightweight walking boots that will support you on uneven ground. Every day your main luggage will be transported by local jeeps. You will only need to carry your day pack. Oman will be hot during the day so care should be taken to drink a lots of water. This will be provided whilst on trek.
Whilst camping temperatures can drop to just above freezing. Please come prepared for this.
Low altitude throughout

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners.

While camping dinner consists of chicken, fish or meat with rice, pasta or potatoes followed by fruit or cake. Although meat is a staple part of the Oman diet vegetarians are well catered for. There will always be a vegetarian choice served at dinner.
Picnic lunches usually consist of Arabic bread, mixed salad, meat or fish plus fruit.
When in towns we eat at local restaurants serving Omani food.
If you have any specific dietary requirements please advise the office prior to your trip.
Tea and coffee are also served at the camp sites.
Water is provided on trek free of charge. You will need to buy mineral water whilst in Muscat and on the 2 hotel nights.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Temperatures and humidity are high throughout the year on the coast. From May to September is the hottest and most unpleasant season, so we avoid scheduling trips at this time of year. Temperatures rise even higher inland towards the Rub' al Khali, but here humidity is lower so that the higher temperatures are more tolerable and the nights cooler. In Spring and Autumn expect sunny weather throughout, with warm to hot days (maximum around 35degC) and pleasant nights. There is little chance of any rain, except from December to February. February will be about 5 to 10degC cooler. The December trip will have warm days (20-25degC). Plesae note on some nights on the trek the temperatures can approcah freezing. There is a chance of rain in the Jebel Akhdar

Gallery

Reviews & community

If you want to enjoy wonderful mountain scenery and great coastal walking then this is the holiday for you. Trekking in Oman offers this brilliant combination as well as the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of a fascinating country. If you also enjoy wild(ish) camping then definitely go for it. The places where we camped we're all beautifully situated, the tents were good and the mattresses the most comfortable I have slept on while camping.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Marvelling at the dramatic mountain scenery; lying in the tent watching the full moon or eating the most delicious seafood barbecue on a deserted beach. Just three moments of many.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rob's knowledge and experience contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the holiday. He was a great organiser and his cooking skills weren't bad either! Walking in the heat was challenging and Rob made sure that we acclimatised slowly and understood the need to keep up our fluid intake - even if that included gin and tonic!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you go at the beginning or end of the season i.e. September or March/April it will still be warm at night. I took a duvet jacket and a four seasons sleeping bag which was unnecessary in early April. Walking poles aren't that useful as you often need to do some scrambling requiring free hands. Don't forget the wet wipes - water is a scarce commodity when camping.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The walking is not difficult- the challenge is walking in the heat particularly if you are at the beginning or end of the season. But you do get used to it!
For me the cultural highlights were the visit to Nizwa and its livestock market and in complete comparison the stunningly beautiful mosque in Muscat.

I wasn't sure what to expect on this trip and I was completely bowled over with the beauty and culture of Oman. If you enjoy breathtaking scenery and different trekking every day as well as climbing over boulders and being at one with nature, then this is the trip for you!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finding out more about the Islamic faith and how much peace and kindness it represents as well as the beauty of the country.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rob was one of the best leaders I have had on a trip. He made us feel safe and secure at all times and prepared us well for the long trek towards the end of the trip. In my opinion, he struck the ideal balance between being 'in charge' and having a laugh with us.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

In March/April, the days were hot and it was essential to wear a hat and drink lots of water (ideally with rehydration salts). It would be easy to get sun stroke and dehydrated if not careful and with very basic camping, this would be miserable. Also, walking poles were not so useful on this trip as there was a lot of climbing over boulders with some scrambling - brilliant fun!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of the best trekking holidays I have been on. Every day was different - the balcony walk was like looking at the Grand Canyon and the last couple of days saw stunning coastal views.

A great introduction to the country in two parts - the Hajjar mountains and the wild coast - with enough challenge in the harsh conditions and no frills camping, but also plenty of time to relax, socialise and enjoy this fascinating country in transition between conservative Islam/pre-industrial and 21st century urbanisation.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sleeping under the stars on the wild coast and enjoying hours of walking under blue skies without seeing other people except the occasional shepherd. Difficult to think of a better short mid-winter sunshine break!

What did you think of your group leader?

Rob as a long time resident of Oman had a real enthusiasm for the place and genuine pleasure to welcome people and share his experience and insight. He was also a very efficient trek/tour leader determined to ensure everyone had an enjoyable and memorable trip, whether their abilities.

A gap year that turned into several years of travelling throughout the world was when Emma first got her taste for trekking; firstly in Nepal on the Annapurna Circuit, but then across the Indian Himalaya, Africa and The Middle East. Nowadays, though based in the London office, Emma tries to get away on an annual trek. Every new route is a unique and always a fantastic experience!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What kind of clothing is best in a Muslim country?

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities.

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

Will Ramadan affect my trip?

Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place during specific dates each year, the actual dates will be listed in the respective Trip Notes. This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

You recently looked at

From the social networks

Exodus Travels
Have you herd the news?
Our International Sales Manager and photography enthusiast Andrew Appleyard is just back from the Masai Mara where ... The news from the Mara plains is that the migration has arrived and our International Sales Manager has captured some superb photos of the action... The Great Migration Through a Lens1 day 7 hours ago.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also
someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out
more about how we incorporate
responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you
can help by donating to one of our
responsible travel projects